Chemical producers look to export markets

Abstract

Bleak. Troublesome. Doubtful. Uncertain. These and a few other negatives are the words being used to describe the situation for the Japanese chemical industry. Along with virtually every other segment of Japanese business, the industry is surrounded by a seemingly unbroken circle of problems. Domestic demand is, at best, sluggish. And the latest 1977 chemical production figures clearly reflect this. As a result, Japanese chemical companies are relying on what Japan has always relied on: exports. But Japanese exports are running into extremely turbulent waters. Many Japanese export markets, particularly the U.S. and European countries, are struggling with economic problems of their own. Consequently, Japanese products in general are becoming less than welcome. In the U.S., for instance, dumping cases involving Japanese television sets and steel are indicative of the growing protectionist pressures that Japanese exports will have to face. Several of Japan's trading partners, with the U.S. leading the pack, ...